LogMeIn discontinues free option

By Dave Johnson

January 24, 2014 / 6:00 AM
/ MoneyWatch

If you are a regular user of remote desktop software LogMeIn,
you might be surprised – and disappointed – to learn that the free version
(called LogMeIn Free, naturally) is being discontinued. According to LogMeIn, users
have seven days to upgrade to a premium account, after which they will lose
access to the service entirely.

Don’t worry – you haven’t lost any precious time in your
grace period. The seven days begin the next time you log in – not when the announcement
was first made – so you have a little time to consider your options, as long as
you delay logging into the site.

Now for the bad news: LogMeIn doesn't come cheap. New LogMeIn accounts cost $99 a year, but if you have an
existing account, you can sign up for premium for just $49. There is also
special pricing for users of the LogMeIn Ignition app for iOS and Android, but that has yet to be announced.

If you’re currently a user of the free version, be aware
that there alternatives to paying for the premium subscription. TeamViewer,
for example, is a great remote desktop and online collaboration tool that
remains free for private users – though there are subscription fees for
business users starting at $750 for 15 seats.